Introduction and facts about New Zealand.
New Zealand has a population of only 4 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a heaven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round.It is a country of rare beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, hissing geysers, crystal clear lakes, and deserted ocean beaches.
Interspersed with all of the natural wonders are cosmopolitan cities that offer much to the seeker of culture, entertainment, and nightlife. An English-speaking country, New Zealand's strong Maori heritage has recently flourished, and their language, for so long on the decline, is now making a comeback. A flowing, poetic language, Maori is surprisingly easy to pronounce if spoken phonetically with each word split into separate syllables.
Universities in New Zealand are self-managing and have provisions for internal and external monitoring and review of their academic programs. The academic year in New Zealand begins in late February or early March and finishes in November. Most of the universities in New Zealand operate on a semester system, although a few operate on a trimester or quarter system.